G4 timing system overview

The Swift G4 is a wireless laser timing system for sprint, change-of-direction and agility testing. Gates are set up with reflectors, run from the SYNCRO app on an iPad, and send every split to Swift Labs. This page explains how the system fits together. For step-by-step setup, see Connecting and aligning G4 with SwiftAir.

What is in a G4 system

• G4 gates. Each gate carries a laser sensor aimed at a reflector. When an athlete breaks the beam, the gate records the time and sends it to SYNCRO.
• Single beam or dual beam (G4D). A single beam gate has one laser and uses software correction to reject false triggers. A dual beam gate has two lasers, one above the other, and only records a split when both are broken together. That targets the torso and ignores swinging arms or loose clothing. Dual beam gates also carry an alignment laser.
• Reflectors and tripods. One reflector per gate, set opposite it. Gates mount on standard or PRO tripods.
• SYNCRO app. The iOS app (iPad recommended) that connects the gates, runs your drills and shows results.
• Swift Labs. The online account where results are stored, compared and shared with coaches.

How the gates talk to the iPad

G4 gates carry three radios, and SYNCRO picks the right one for the drill.

• SwiftAir. Swift's own radio system. It runs outside the crowded Wi-Fi band, so it keeps working in stadiums, indoor venues and campuses where Wi-Fi is congested. It holds the connection over a straight line of up to 400 m.
• Wi-Fi. Kept so G4 gates can work alongside older UNO and DUO gates. If you mix UNO or DUO gates with G4, the system runs on Wi-Fi and SwiftAir is switched off.
• Bluetooth. Built in alongside SwiftAir and Wi-Fi.

SwiftAir: what you need to know

• It must be switched on. SwiftAir is enabled by Swift on your SYNCRO account, then switched on in SYNCRO under Settings (scroll to the bottom). The option only appears with a current Swift Labs subscription. If you cannot see it, contact us with your SYNCRO login email.
• Set the frequency for your country. Europe 863 to 870 MHz. North America 902 to 928 MHz. Asia-Pacific and Australia 915 to 928 MHz. India 865 to 867 MHz. If your country is not listed, contact us before using SwiftAir.
• Use a different Net ID for each system. If two G4 systems are running near each other, or you split one set of gates between two coaches, give each its own Net ID so they do not clash.
• Every drill. SwiftAir runs every drill in SYNCRO, linear sprints, change of direction, agility and reactive drills, as long as your gates have the latest firmware. If SwiftAir does not connect, update the gate firmware first.
• Connecting is a little different. With SwiftAir you connect all the gates first, then align them one at a time when SYNCRO asks. See Connecting and aligning G4 with SwiftAir and Connecting and running drills on G4 gates with SwiftAir.

Specifications

Item	G4 (single and dual beam)
System size	1 to 16 gates
Maximum straight-line range	400 m (1,312 ft) start to finish
Gate to reflector	Up to 7 m (20 ft)
Timing resolution	0.01 s or 0.001 s, set by the user
Timing accuracy	Better than 5 ms over 1 hour
Laser sensors	1 (single beam) or 2 (dual beam), 650 nm, pulsed, Class 3R
Alignment laser	Dual beam gates only
Radios	SwiftAir, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Runtime per charge	More than 8 hours, depending on use
Charging	Wireless
Size and weight per gate	240 x 65 x 65 mm, 900 g (2 lb) without tripod
App	SYNCRO for iOS, iPad recommended

Laser safety

G4 gates use Class 3R lasers. A momentary exposure is not normally harmful because people blink or look away, but do not stare into the beam or point it at anyone's eyes. Never aim a gate at aircraft or moving vehicles. Set gates at a height and angle where the beam is not at eye level for people walking past.

Getting started

• Tripod setup
• Placing and aligning your gates
• Connecting and aligning G4 with SwiftAir
• Designing a test and Running a test
• How to hardware reset a gate

Using older UNO, DUO or NEO gates? See DNA timing system overview (UNO, DUO, NEO).